Setting up bird feeders and water stations are great ways to attract birds to your yard and support local wildlife. However, it is extremely important to take proper care of feeders and water dishes to prevent the spread of diseases and other harmful agents. Below you can find information on different feed mixes, placement, and, of course, how to keep feeders clean and safe.

Rufous Hummingbird, Kathy Dashiell

Hummingbirds

Hummingbird feeders are popular in Arizona, the state that boasts roughly 17 different species. Once these bold, personable little birds find your feeder (usually within hours or days), your backyard will be a hummingbird highway!

Feeders & Cleaning

The feeders come in a myriad of different shapes, sizes, materials, and colors. Two of the most important factors when considering a feeder are 1) how easy it is to take apart and clean, and 2) its size.

Feeders should be cleaned every day to every few days, with hotter weather stretches requiring more frequent cleaning. Therefore, finding a feeder with a wide enough opening to get a sponge or bottle brush will aid in cleaning. Additionally, all the crevices should be reachable by cleaning tools as well, including the feeding ports. Feeders commonly come in glass (with plastic or metal components) or plastic, and while either material is acceptable to use, glass tends to fare better in the Arizona heat.

Make sure feeders are securely attached to avoid an accident or fall. Take down feeders during storms.

Nectar Recipe & Instructions

Pre-mixed feed is sold at a variety of stores and is also easy to make at home. It is critical not to purchase pre-mixed feed with red dye! Artificial food dyes have not been proven to be safe for birds, and at worst, have the potential to cause them harm or even death. Hummingbirds are more than capable of finding the feeder without dyes — after all, flower nectar is clear, too.

Ingredients: water, table sugar

Normal mixture – 4:1 ratio of water to sugar (i.e., 4 cups water to 1 cup sugar) works for most conditions, especially in hot, dry weather.

Sweeter mixture – 3:1 ratio can be made in cold, rainy, or foggy conditions when the birds could use more energy. While this is not typical of Arizona weather, it’s good to note in case of unusual conditions.

Gila Woodpecker, Kathy Dashiell

If you mix up small quantities regularly (every day or two), then the solution can be mixed without boiling the water, making sure it’s thoroughly mixed before adding to the feeder. If making and storing larger amounts for later use, boiling water is best. For the boiling method, heat the water to a boil before adding sugar. Stir regularly until the sugar is completely dissolved. Once clear, remove from heat and allow to cool before pouring the mixture into a container and storing it in the fridge. Do not use honey in the mix as it can promote bacterial and fungal growth.

Sometimes other non-hummingbird visitors like woodpeckers and Verdins stop for a sip of nectar from hummingbird feeders, so be sure to keep an eye out!

Seed, Nut, and Fruit Eaters

A variety of birds will visit seed feeders, including towhees, doves & pigeons, woodpeckers, finches, sparrows, and more. Different seed mixes attract different birds; similarly, different shapes and sizes of feeders allow for different birds to visit.

Feeders

A couple of tips to attract the widest variety of birds and reduce waste:

  • If using multiple feeders, put them at varying heights, each with a different, corresponding mix
    • Sparrows, juncos, and towhees usually forage on the ground
    • Finches and cardinals tend to feed in bushes and shrubs
    • Woodpeckers, chickadees, and titmice typically feed in trees
  • If using only one feeder, a tray or platform feeders will attract the most diversity of seed-eating birds; however, they can be susceptible to rodents and other potentially unwanted guests

Western Tanager; Photo: Vera Markham

In addition to the tray feeders mentioned above, there are many different types of feeders, each with its pros and cons. Listed here are a few options, but check out this article for a more comprehensive look at each one:

  • House feeders – attractive to many birds, keeps seed dry and shaded, but can be difficult to clean
  • Tube feeders – birds of many shapes and sizes can feed from these, can hold a variety of feed types, and with no platform, the feed won’t be soiled by droppings; be cautious with ones made of plastic, as these can warp in the heat
  • Window feeders – allows a good close-up view of birds, good for small birds, but birds can soil the tray with their droppings
  • Suet feeders – a great way to offer a high-energy food resource for many birds, like woodpeckers, but requires frequent changes as the food can spoil. Do not use over 90 degrees F.

Mixes

In addition to height and type, the feed mix is another determinant of which birds may stop at your feeder.

  • Black oil sunflower seed, cracked corn, and millet mix – appeals to the widest breadth of birds; sunflower specialists will discard the other elements to the ground which can then be eaten by towhees and other ground foragers
  • Peanuts, nuts, and dried fruit – attract woodpeckers, nuthatches, titmice, and other nut & berry-eaters
  • Thistle seed – attract finches, goldfinches, and other small seed-eaters
  • Suet – a high-energy snack that attracts insect-eaters like woodpeckers, wrens, and others

Verdin; Photo: Vera Markham

There are other mixes and snack options out there that can be used to attract birds to your yard, such a orange slices. Oats and wheat don’t tend to be eaten by many birds, so it’s best to avoid mixes with these ingredients. Be sure to use bird-appropriate foods, clean feeders regularly, and discard spoiled or old food to keep birds happy, healthy, and coming back for more.

Tips

Be sure to keep feed stored properly, ideally in a container that’s impermeable to rodents, like a metal tin. Place feeders strategically to avoid the potential of window collisions, ideally at least 3 feet from the nearest window. See our page on Window Strike Awareness to learn more about how you can help keep birds safe and away from windows. If you have a cat, do not allow them to roam outside (especially without supervision and a leash) to avoid bird predation and to build birds’ trust in your space. Finally, be sure to rake under bird feeders regularly to avoid decay and mold of discarded feed and droppings.

These tips and recommendations should help attract birds to your yard, allowing you to support your local birds, create opportunities to bird your backyard, and overall, build a bird-friendly community!

Black Phoebe; Photo: Kathy Dashiell